Despite the long shadow cast by his older brother, Ralph Fiennes, actor Joseph Fiennes carved out a comfortable niche in compelling independent and foreign features. Like many actors from England, Fiennes studied theater, particularly Shakespeare, where he delved into the finer nuances of his craft while performing the classics. He did struggle, however, in those early years, living hand-to-mouth while performing on the stage for the Royal Shakespeare Company. But he finally emerged to become an international star with his winsome portrayal of a young and lovesick Bard in "Shakespeare in Love" (1998). The Oscar-winning film propelled his profile into the stratosphere, giving Fiennes his pick of projects at that time. But instead of enhancing his newfound stardom, he followed his own path by returning to the stage while churning out a string of often little-seen independents, only to occasionally emerge in larger films like "Enemy at the Gates" (2001), "The Great Raid" (2005) and "Running with Scissors" (2006). Ironically, Fiennes often found himself accosted by the tabloid press for his exploits with various models and actresses, including Naomi Campbell and Catherine McCormack, despite being...

Despite the long shadow cast by his older brother, Ralph Fiennes, actor Joseph Fiennes carved out a comfortable niche in compelling independent and foreign features. Like many actors from England, Fiennes studied theater, particularly Shakespeare, where he delved into the finer nuances of his craft while performing the classics. He did struggle, however, in those early years, living hand-to-mouth while performing on the stage for the Royal Shakespeare Company. But he finally emerged to become an international star with his winsome portrayal of a young and lovesick Bard in "Shakespeare in Love" (1998). The Oscar-winning film propelled his profile into the stratosphere, giving Fiennes his pick of projects at that time. But instead of enhancing his newfound stardom, he followed his own path by returning to the stage while churning out a string of often little-seen independents, only to occasionally emerge in larger films like "Enemy at the Gates" (2001), "The Great Raid" (2005) and "Running with Scissors" (2006). Ironically, Fiennes often found himself accosted by the tabloid press for his exploits with various models and actresses, including Naomi Campbell and Catherine McCormack, despite being intensely private; perhaps a result of him casting off the typical trappings of being a successful and talented performer.

Cast as FBI agent Mark Benford in the ABC sci-fi series "FlashForward"

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Education

Young Vic Youth Theatre:
-

Guildhall School of Music and Drama:
London , England - 1993

Notes

"I know more about the characters I play. That's awful, isn't it? I seem to be able to invest more time in dissecting others' thoughts and motivations than in looking at my own. But maybe, in doing that, I can reveal parts of myself."---Joseph Fiennes quoted in the London Times, April 1, 1995.

"I was at a very impressionable age and the whole wild adventure of Ireland is etched on my memory."---Fiennes on his upbringing, quoted in The Irish Times, April 27, 1997.

"My only goal when I went to drama school was to do classical theatre and 'hold hands' with great writers. Now, with film, there is this terrifying beast of publicity which launches you forwards. I wonder whether the speed of my career is being determined through people trying to suck up the new young talent, or by the quality of my work. In film it all boils down to money. You are just a commodity which is manipulated."---Fiennes quoted in the London Times, May 4, 1998.

"... Fiennes clearly does not suffer from the sensitiveness of his famous brother. There are no long, awkward silences while he searches for the right phrase, as if he fears to see it in print. His clear brown eyes are direct and challenging. There's even a touch of laddishness about him ... "---From "The Little Brother With a Big Future" by Garth Pearce in The London Times, April 26, 1998.

Asked to compare working with both Ralph and Joseph Fiennes, Australian actress Cate Blanchett told the London Times (April 26, 1998): "Ralph is very complex and intense, but has a wicked sense of humour bubbling under the surface. Joseph is open, direct, focused and a secret trickster. But both are incredibly beautiful to look at and gifted beyond belief. It is already clear to everyone who has worked with him that Joseph will become every bit as big a name as Ralph."

"My love of theatre was what carried me into acting. The moment ofcollaboration between the actor and an audience, that moment of witness nothing can take my love of that away." He pauses, to think. "But you can't plan what happens next. I just try to keep limber and loose and prepared."---Joseph Fiennes quoted to Brian Logan in Time Out, February 05, 2003.